THE NEW HUNGARIAN VOICE FALL 2003 (Read-Only)

Boldog születésnapot kivánünk Mancika!
When my friend suggested I write an article for the New Hungarian Voice to
commemorate my mother’s 80 th birthday, I thought it was a wonderful idea, although
I had no idea what a daunting task it would be. How do I share the story of my
mother’s remarkable life in a few words I started to ask myself about what it means
and what it feels like to be Hungarian. Having lived in Canada my entire life, it’s
difficult to identify just what it is that is inherently Hungarian in me. Aside from the
obvious tangible cultural influences: the food, the music and family mementoes, what
do I know about ‘being Hungarian’
I decided that it must be a way of thinking; an awareness that hinges mysteriously
on the ‘old country’. The pride that surfaces, knowing that your lineage extends deep
into a country and a people unlike any other. One that has existed and continues to
thrive despite aggressors that threatened over the years to rob them of their country
and their identity.
If my mother is any example, then this is what I know about Hungarians: they are
hardworking, courageous people known for sharing what they have with others less
fortunate. They have a talent for making something functional – even beautiful – out
of very little. It’s an attention to detail and striving for excellence against all odds. It
is the ‘survivor’ in them - the ability to fulfill a dream where little hope exists. It is
their laughter, and most importantly, their love. These are some of the qualities that
embody my mother, and as her daughter I hopefully possess some of these values as
well.
Although my mother immigrated to Canada at the age of five, she had three opportunities
to visit and live with relatives in Hungary. The deep connection she
maintains to her Hungarian roots is - in her words - difficult to describe.
From the bottom of my heart and with all of my love, I’d like to wish my mother,
born Mary ‘Mancika’ Madeline Zelenak in Bodrogkeresztur, Hungary, a very happy
80 th birthday.
Michelle Allen, Vancouver, B.C.
Join our team!
We are always looking for new, original Hungarian related material for
the New Hungarian Voice.
We also need enthusiastic volunteers to proof-read and distribute our newsletter, or to help out
with the many tasks that are involved with our growing paper and other Hungarian projects.
Dear readers!
Send us your comments and criticisms! We sincerely hope that our work continues to
reflect the feelings of the Hungarian-Canadian community, and that by maintaining a high
level of quality we will be able to promote interest in our culture - among fellow
Hungarians and everyone with an interest in our homeland!
www.newhungarianvoice.com
TRADITIONAL HUNGARIAN DESIGNS
470 CRISP, BLACK AND WHITE HUNGARIAN MOTIFS FOR DESIGNERS AND ARTISANS
“This 77-year-old work is like a time capsule, as the images contained in it are from traditional
Hungarian art forms long forgotten or near extinction. It is a must for artisans, embroiderers, wood
carvers and anyone else who wanted to produce authentic works of art.”
edited by P. Czink and L. Weideman • 68 pages • spiral bound • $24.95
HUNGARO ENTERPRISES • PO BOX 74527 • KITSILANO PO • VANCOUVER, BC
V6K 4P4 • CANADA • czink@shaw.ca
Tune in to 690 AM CBC Radio's 'Global Village' on Saturday
October 4th, 2003. Our own Greg Csiszár's short documentary on
Folk dancing in Transylvania goes to air at 7 o'clock AM.
5